The LA Kings have a difficult situation on their hands with Jonathan Quick out for the next three months or so. The team has spent the last week or two going with Jeff Zatkoff (now injured) and Peter Budaj as their NHL tandem, which isn't working out so well.
The Kings are rumoured to be scouring the trade and free agent market for goaltending, and several names have come to light.
Ondrej Pavelec - Winnipeg Jets
A lot of rumours continue to surround Pavelec, who is playing in the AHL while making $2.9 million. The Kings would certainly ask the Jets to take back a bad contract (probably not Dustin Brown; likely Rob Scuderi or Trevor Lewis) on top of retaining salary. This one seems less likely because of the salary cap stumbling blocks.
Reto Berra - Florida Panthers
Another borderline NHL goalie buried in the minors, this time with the Florida Panthers. He wouldn't be a massive upgrade on what the Kings already have, so the asking price would have to be extremely low.
Steve Mason - Philadelphia Flyers
Mason is splitting time in the Flyers net with Michal Neuvirth, and both are pending UFAs. Mason might make some sense with an expiring contract, but he's not inexpensive and would command a fairly high asking price from Philly. And with Neuvirth's injury history, do the Flyers really want to take that risk?
Mike Condon - Pittsburgh Penguins
He'll be put on waivers by the Penguins at some point, so the Kings may be waiting for that to happen.
Jimmy Howard - Detroit Red Wings
He's available, but he's probably way too expensive for the Kings, and he has term.
Karri Ramo - UFA
Ramo remains a free agent and would cost very little to sign.
Jack Campbell or Jonah Imoo - LA Kings
Given how little Zatkoff and Budaj have shown so far, why not give one of the AHL goalies a shot?
JF Berube - New York Islanders
The Kings tried to sneak Berube through waivers last year, but he was claimed by the Isles. They might like him back right about now.
Alex Stalock - Minnesota Wild
Stalock is buried in the minors, but he has some NHL experience under his belt. Probably wouldn't cost much to acquire.
